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Rose gold mourning brooch
£135.00
Unusual rose gold Georgian mourning brooch circa 1810
A splendid mourning brooch containing the most beautiful woven hair under a thick panel of glass. It is set in wonderful rose gold and is curved, smooth and chunky. It has its original ‘C’ clasp and a yellow gold pin (very sharp!). The brooch is around 12.1 x 26.3mm; the pin is 30.3mm. The condition is very nice with only minor wear to the surface of the glass. An historical piece of true quality.
Tests as low carat gold (approx. 9ct)
Gross weight: 3g
Condition: surface wear to glass; minor wear to gold
1 in stock
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Diamond and pearl enamelled mourning ring
Victorian rose cut diamond and pearl black enamel 18ct gold mourning ring with inscription circa 1846
The jewellery of our predecessors doesn't come any sadder or sweeter than this little flower. At the centre sits a lovely rose cut diamond held in tiny silver claws, as was the custom of the era. Five luminous silvery pearls sit around it to form a pansy, which according to the jewellery language of the time indicated the wearer was dwelling in her thoughts. Inside the band we learn why, as here is the inscription, "Ellen Watson ob 30, april 1846". The full set of crisp hallmarks, which include the duty mark, confirm the ring was made in 1846, no doubt commissioned by Ellen's daughter or sister when they were in mourning for her death. The delicate, leaf-like shoulders have lovely black enamel detailing for a gothic look that feels really edgy today. The flower measures around 8.2mm with a rise of 4mm. The shoulders taper to a band of 1.8mm. The date letter has been struck seemingly by accident on the outside of one shoulder. The flower has space for a locket behind it, now vacant.
Size: J (UK) / 4 3/4 (US)
Hallmarked: yes
Maker's mark: ES (indistinct)
Date letter: k (1846)
Assay office: London
Composition of gold: 18ct
Gross weight: 2g
Condition: noticeable wear to at least two pearls; pretty good otherwise
Size: J (UK) / 4 3/4 (US)
Hallmarked: yes
Maker's mark: ES (indistinct)
Date letter: k (1846)
Assay office: London
Composition of gold: 18ct
Gross weight: 2g
Condition: noticeable wear to at least two pearls; pretty good otherwise 
Pearl and hair work mourning brooch
Georgian gold brooch set with pearl and glass locket with hair
A delicate example of a Georgian mourning jewel, this tiny brooch is set with thirty natural ivory colour seed pearls that shine with a fascinating hint of blue. Blonde-brown hair has been fastidiously braided and encapsulated under a pane of glazed crystal; it is perfectly preserved after two hundred years, a testament to the sentiment behind these very special pieces of jewellery. The brooch is cased in pale yellow gold. Original back pin and ‘C’ clasp is in perfect working order and the piece can certainly still be worn. This is a genuine piece of high quality, collectible Georgian jewellery.
Unmarked but very typical in aesthetic and execution of the Georgian time period (1714-1830)
Tests as low carat gold (.375), approx. the equivilent to today’s 9ct
Measures approx. 21mm x 12mm
Each pearl measures approx. 1-2mm each
Condition: surface wear to casing commensurate with age; a deep, smooth nick to the glass measuring 2mm; all pearls as original; overall very good for an item of 200 years
Unmarked but very typical in aesthetic and execution of the Georgian time period (1714-1830)
Tests as low carat gold (.375), approx. the equivilent to today’s 9ct
Measures approx. 21mm x 12mm
Each pearl measures approx. 1-2mm each
Condition: surface wear to casing commensurate with age; a deep, smooth nick to the glass measuring 2mm; all pearls as original; overall very good for an item of 200 years 
Miniature gold cased watch key
Antique 19th century gold cased watch key
A delightful antique watch key decorated with a chased gold swirl pattern to the sides. Set with a nice square cut chalcedony to one side, and a foiled rock crystal to the other. The foiling on this has deteriorated with age, likely a bit of water damage. This has only given the stone greater depth and we just love how it looks! The bail swivels, as the piece was made to wind a watch. The gold casing is very buttery and beautiful; it's likely it sits over a core of base metal which was done to give the item strength. It measures around 3.06cm in length and 1.05cm at widest. It likely made in the Victorian era.
Hallmarked: no
Tested 15ct gold cased
Gross weight: 1.8g
Condition: foiling to rock crystal has deteriorated; very good otherwise
This item is part of our miniature fobs collection
Hallmarked: no
Tested 15ct gold cased
Gross weight: 1.8g
Condition: foiling to rock crystal has deteriorated; very good otherwise
This item is part of our miniature fobs collection 
Ivy leaf bangle
Victorian rolled gold ivy leaf pattern hinged bangle circa 1880
A very sweet, quality little bangle of circa 1880, with a highly detailed ivy leaf pattern to one side and plain to the other. The ivy leaf was used to represent fidelity. It is hinged with a good snap in fastener, and fitted with a base metal safety chain for a bit of added security on the wrist. It appears to be composed of a layer of rose gold applied over a base metal. There is one dent to the patterned side and a little out of shape from wear but otherwise good for age. The width is approximately 7mm - the inside diameter is around 16.5cm / 6.4in (small).
Hallmarked: no
Gross weight: 14g
Condition: one ding to patterned side and a little out of shape; wear to metal interior; overall good
Hallmarked: no
Gross weight: 14g
Condition: one ding to patterned side and a little out of shape; wear to metal interior; overall good